SimplyAbuDhabi VII

6 0 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I It is true. We spend so much of our lives watching the clock, or plugged into the virtual online world – even when we are enjoying luxurious and sumptuous experiences – that we sometimes forget that we need some peace and quiet, too. And having gained this insight, we really took our time over the welcome tea ritual, which is also a key part of the arrival experience here. We relished each sip of the delicious, delicately flavoured Spa Blend, which was served in exquisite china cups. And soon we were already beginning to feel restored. The legacy of the name Iridium goes back to the IridiumRoom at the St Regis Hotel in New York in 1938. When we asked about the name, we were told that the Iridium Spa brand is inspired by the preciousness of the metal for which it is named. “Iridium” literally means “of rainbows,” and is derived from the name of the Greek mythological goddess Iris, who transcends sea and sky as a messenger and is manifested as a rainbow. And today, iridium itself is one of the most precious and rarest metals on Earth, and shines with an iridescent glow in a whole spectrum of beautiful colours. The Iridium Spa is designed to provide an equally rare spectrum of experiences – and in that, it is certainly successful. Revitalising treatments The astonishing range of treatments here cleverly combines the best of both worlds, blending wise traditional remedies with sophisticated modern technologies. And all are available in the spa’s expansive 3,500 square metre (37,674 square feet) facility. Guests can choose to receive these treatments in one of three, individually-themed Spa Suites – each of which has beautiful private terraces and gorgeous pools. We couldn’t resist taking a look around. The Moroccan Suite is richly designed in exquisite gold and beautiful bronze, as well as other metals and glass, while the Contemporary Suite showcases sublime white fur, classy leather and sparkling modern crystal. However, we opted for the Thai Suite: we felt that its natural bamboo and jade design offered the very epitome of the relaxation we sought.